The Music-Makers: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words by Arthur O'Shaughnessy, music and additional words by Ruth Morris Gray
Item: 00-PO-0005712
$2.05
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
A driving rhythmic accompaniment and an inspiring text based on Arthur O'Shaughnessy's "Ode" create a thrilling piece to both sing and hear. Accessible harmonies make teaching parts a snap, while robust poetry and captivating choral syncopations suggest a concert opener!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0005712
More about this title
About the Composer: Ruth Morris Gray
Ruth Morris Gray has shaped choral music education in Southern California as Director of Choirs at Rosemead High School since 2004, where she also teaches piano. Her compositional output spans over 100 published works, reflecting a deep commitment to writing singable, meaningful music for young voices.
Gray holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Composition from Biola University and a Master of Arts in Music Composition from UC Santa Barbara. She earned her California Single Subject Music Credential at Cal State Northridge. Beyond the rehearsal room, she is an active performer and composer who balances her musical life with travel, swimming, reading, and cycling with her husband Douglas.
Why we love this
Gray's use of syncopation and rhythmic drive immediately engages singers while keeping part-writing lean enough that teaching takes minimal rehearsal time. The pairing of O'Shaughnessy's rousing text with accessible harmonies creates a piece that sounds far more sophisticated than it is to learn, making it an excellent concert opener that doesn't demand months of prep.
What to expect
A surge of forward momentum and purposeful energy. The driving rhythm pulls listeners in immediately, while the poetry and syncopations give the piece substance and character beyond mere surface excitement. Singing this feels both invigorating and expressive.
Who it's for
Middle and high school choirs seeking a concert piece that sounds polished and professional without requiring extensive rehearsal time. The accessible harmonies work equally well for developing ensembles and more experienced singers who want a crowd-pleasing opener.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythmic accompaniment as a foundation before layering the vocal parts; the driving pulse is central to the piece's impact.
- Shape the poetic text with attention to phrasing rather than rushing through the syncopations; let the meaning breathe even as the rhythm propels forward.
- Balance the two parts so that neither drowns the other; in unison passages, commit fully to the unified sound.
- Use dynamic contrast to highlight the emotional arc of the text and prevent the relentless rhythm from becoming monotonous.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener to establish energy and engagement from the first moments. Its literary foundation and robust character also make it suitable for festival competition, where the combination of accessibility and artistic depth earns strong adjudications.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythms in a two-part texture
- Balancing independent vocal lines while maintaining ensemble unity
- Connecting poetic text to rhythmic and harmonic choices
- Building stamina for pieces with sustained rhythmic drive